Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
251
Tips
Pin Mania
Pin buying, collecting, and trading can reach frenzied proportions among Disney
fans, including many cast members. All of the theme parks have special locations
set aside for the fun, which are marked on the handout guide maps. There are,
however, a few rules of pin-trading etiquette that must be followed. You can
learn more about the madness on the Internet at
www.dizpins.com
and
www.
officialdisneypintrading.com
.
minimum, and expectant moms as well as those with neck, back, or heart problems and
folks prone to motion sickness should stay planted on firm ground.
TriceraTop Spin
Frommer's Rating:
B+ for tykes and parents
Recommended Ages:
2-7
Cut from the same cloth as the Magic Carpets of Aladdin at WDW's Magic Kingdom,
this is another minithrill for youngsters. In this case, the cars look like cartoon dinosaurs.
They circle the hub while gently moving up and down and all around. This ride, Prime-
val Whirl, and an arcade-game area make up the DinoLand U.S.A. miniland called
Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama.
CAMP MINNIE
MICKEY
Disney characters are the main attraction in this land designed in the same vein as an
Adirondack resort. Aside from those characters, however, this zone for the younger set
isn't nearly as kid-friendly as rivals Mickey's Toontown Fair in the Magic Kingdom
(reviewed earlier in this chapter) or Woody Woodpecker's KidZone in Universal Studios
Florida (see “Universal Studios Florida,” in chapter 7).
Character Greeting Trails
Moments
Frommer's Rating:
A for kids, D for waiting parents
Recommended Ages:
2-12
Some say this is a must-do for people traveling with children; I say run the other way—
quickly. If, however, your kids are hooked on getting every character autograph possible,
this is the place to go. A variety of Disney characters, from Winnie the Pooh and Pocahon-
tas to Timon and Baloo, have separate trails where you can meet and mingle, snap photos,
and get those autographs. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto even make periodic appear-
ances. Be aware, however, that the lines for these meet-and-greet opportunities are at times
excruciatingly long, so unless your kids are really gung ho on collecting the characters'
signatures, don't even think of coming here.
Note:
Disney introduced a new character
experience in 2009—each and every evening at closing time (near the park exit), Mickey,
Minnie and Goofy wave good night to their guests as they head back to their hotels for the
night. While not a meet-and-greet opportunity, the kids will likely get a kick of seeing their
favorite characters on their way out of the park, even if just for a quick wave.
Festival of the Lion King
Finds
Frommer's Rating:
A+
Recommended Ages:
All ages
Almost everyone in the audience comes alive when the music starts in this rousing
28-minute show in the Lion King Theater. It's one of the top three theme-park shows in
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